Upcoming Events
- End of Year Community Picnic – Friday 13th December
- Summer Holidays – Saturday 14th December – Sunday 26th January
- Staff Only Day – Monday 27th January – School Closed for Instruction
- IEMs – Tuesday 28th January – School Closed for Instruction
- IEMs – Wednesday 29th January – School Closed for Instruction
- Staff Only Day – Thursday 30th January – School Closed for Instruction
- Friday 31st January – Mihi Whakatau – 9am. Year 1-6 all students in HB 10:30am – 3:00pm. Years 7-13 NEW students in HB 10:30am – 12:20pm. Years 7-13 All students in HB 1:00pm – 3:00pm.
- Normal Timetable Begins – Monday 3rd February
- Waitangi Day – Thursday 6th February – School Closed
- Staff Only Day – Friday 14th March – School Closed
Message From Anita
Kia ora koutou
The end of the school year is always a time for reflection and celebration. We celebrate all the wonderful things that occurred in 2024, and reflect on what we can work on in 2025, so we are continually improving our school for our students. 2024 has been filled with growth. Our programs have grown to include a bigger range of off-site and immersion learning opportunities. More and more of our students are spending time at the Climate Action Campus, and thank you to all our caregivers who support us to access this site with logistics and transport. We have also had our Māori students spend six weeks working on Māori Art, and we have to awhi Marlene Te’evale-Hunt for basing herself off site and running this program. On Wednesdays during our 4.2 and 4.3 pink color block, the school building has emptied, as staff and students head out to take part in learning outside the classroom. These are the programs that students will remember when they leave school, and we intend to continue this style of learning in 2025.
To our kaimahi, our staff, thank you for your mahi and support. The positive impact that your practice has had on our young people is invaluable. Sadly, we are farewelling staff at the end of this year as they head off to future adventures. I would like to acknowledge and thank Danette Wereta, the Board Chair, who is stepping down at the end of this year. Her leadership over the last four years has meant that the community has been represented with integrity and children’s educational and social needs has been at the forefront of all the Board decision making. On a personal note, Danette’s support has been invaluable and I will miss working with her. Louisiana Purcell, Kelly Linke and Claire Cameron are three teacher aides who have left Ao Tawhiti during the year, and they will be missed. Thank you Antonia Holmes, who has been working in the year 1 – 6 community, covering the Home Base Learning Advisors so they can have their release time. We are farewelling Mattias Wieland, who has worked at Ao Tawhiti since 2018 and is moving to Papanui High School to teach Mathematics. Sarah Marshall has been at Ao Tawhiti and Unlimited Paenga since 2013 and she is heading off to explore adventures in her community. Jo Bennet has worked at Ao Tawhiti and Unlimited Paenga since 2012 and is retiring to spend time with her grandchildren and whānau. And finally, George MacKenzie who has worked at Unlimited Paenga and Ao Tawhiti since 2009, is heading off to create new opportunities for himself. He is ready for a new challenge. We thank them all for their amazing contribution to the school over the years.
To our graduating students and students who are moving on to different schools – we wish you all the best for your future, and what a bright future it will be. You are all fabulous in your own unique way and the world is a better place for having you all in it. To our caregivers, thank you for your support of our kura. The school and special character wouldn’t exist without caregiver support, and we are hugely appreciative of this.
I love working at Ao Tawhiti, and feel very privileged to hold the position of Director. This is because of the achievements of the students. The students at this school take the reins of their own educational journey and makes them transformational. They have driven remarkable initiatives and projects that reflect their interests and allow them to showcase essential skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration and creativity. They develop a sense of community by sharing unique perspectives and ideas which are vitally important in the world we live in. The students at this school constantly remind me that every voice matters and together we can create a richer environment. Thank you all for contributing to our school.
Have a wonderful Christmas break and enjoy the warmth of Summer.
We look forward to seeing you next year.
Ngā mihi nui
Anita
Messages from Senior Leaders
EOTC and RAMs training
Huge thanks to all of you who have supported trips and outings this year. We couldn’t do it without you and we so appreciate it! It really does make a big difference to the opportunities and experiences we can offer tamariki and rangatahi.
Looking ahead to next year, there will be two opportunities for RAMs training in Term 1:
- Wednesday Feb 19, 2:30-3pm
- Friday March 21, 8:30-9am
These sessions cover the basics of what whānau volunteers can expect when supporting off-site activities. If you’re keen to support our Education Outside the Classroom programme and have not yet attended a RAMs training session, I’d love to see you at one next year. More dates will be added as the year goes on. Please complete this RSVP form if you are intending to come along, to help me with my planning: https://forms.gle/QSyktbySZxGZQqLk6
Megan Taylor
From Niki
Thank you, e te whānau, for another wonderful Ao Tawhiti year. Your support of our special character is one of the cornerstones of Ao Tawhiti, we cannot do what we say we do without you. If you have come on trips, helped with transport, sorted the dishes/ lost property/ resources, attended any of the talks I arranged for this year, come to IEMs, run workshops or been involved in a myriad other ways, we thank you wholeheartedly.
It has been a busy term with camps, lots of excursions, COL, a play, some music, lots of arotahi, a drama evening and lots of great learning. As we analyse end of year assessment data we have seen academic improvements in spelling, literacy and maths. This is testament to the hard work of our LAs and your tamariki, and we could not be more thrilled with the achievements they have gained this year.
Next year we see the introduction of a new English curriculum and a new maths curriculum. We are looking forward to getting our teeth into these new curricula and developing our understanding of them. We will continue with Structured Literacy, with Mary and Suze taking on some Better Start Literacy Approach training and we enter our third and final year of our maths PLD. We will of course continue to scaffold students with their arotahi goals and support these with as many outs and abouts as possible.
Playground update
A million thanks to Nadia Maxwell and Rachael Graham for your fundraising efforts this term. Nadia has applied to the Christchurch City Council’s Discretionary Fund and Rachael, while recovering from a fractured ankle has submitted heaps of grant applications. We are hopeful that some of these will be successful and we can begin work on our playground next term…
Here is some background information and next steps.
Background
When our new building was designed, it was felt there was no need to include a playground because “we go out”. While this is true, we do try to get the students out as often as we can, we have noticed that it is more tricky for parents to be available to support trips, particularly spontaneous ones. We also have a growing number of children who would benefit from regular breaks in a purpose-built playground as well as the usual planned trips out to green spaces. We have identified a potential space. We are looking at removing the decking from outside the front of school and making that into a playground that includes a sandpit, different height poles to which different slack lines etc can be attached, and a ‘small world’ play space with natural resources that students can use for imaginative play. We carried out consultation with our students and they came up with some lovely ideas. We asked Emma Woods, ex-parent and owner of Woodland Escapes, and Jared Gallagher, ex-LA and owner of Nature Flow to be involved, as they know us, our community and are experts in their field. They have created a plan which includes 2 phases. See the attached image for Emma’s design of phase 1.
Fundraising
There is no money for this project! We need to raise at least $60,000 for phase one, and a further $100,000 – $150,000 for phase 2, which involves building up on the poles to create huts/ forts etc. The MOE won’t give us any money for this project, so we have to raise the funds ourselves. We have been approached by Chanel Hughes, who works for Global Philanthropic in Sydney. Chanel has connections to Ao Tawhiti – her ex-husband Andre taught English at Unlimited pre-quakes and she has several friends whose children attend Ao Tawhiti – and we are incredibly grateful that she is giving her time pro bono to support our fundraising efforts. She is in the process of writing a ‘Donor Value Proposition’ that we can use to seek sponsorship and donations.
Next steps
There is a lot of interest in the playground. We have some whānau keen to start as soon as possible and we are talking with Emma and Jared about whether it is possible to do the playground in phases – watch this space.
If you are keen to be involved with either the fundraising or any other aspect of the playground, please get in touch with me.
Have a wonderful break! I look forward to seeing everyone at the mihi whakatau on Friday 31 January.
Niki Stephenson
News/Notices
Camp Kaikōura 2024
Oh what a camp…late November 2024, 60 kids and 20 parents set off for the magical location of Kaikōura for the Year 7/8/9 camp. Everyone travelled in private cars, while the truly brave joined Suze and Libby in the school van, Thelma and Louise style (minus Brad Pitt!).
We had a little mix up when we couldn’t locate the domain in Cheviot for our lunch spot but no worries—initiative overload kicked in, and we found a new spot that worked perfectly. All was well!
Once we arrived at camp, it was time to set up—cabins and tents were quickly sorted before everyone headed off to enjoy the first activity: swimming, followed by a beach walk. We built stone towers, went fossicking along the beach and enjoyed the stunning views and amazingly, two little dried seahorses were found by students.
The following days were packed with adventure and fun too. Highlights included a gorgeous peninsula walk with the resident seals, snorkelling with the enchanting “Mermaids Libby and Steven,” and taste-testing seafood that many kids had never tried before. The Kaikoura Aquatic Centre was fabulous too. Swimming in the pool with the most breathtaking views imaginable added a touch of magic to the days. Evenings brought a whole new level of excitement, with Taskmaster challenges hosted by the one and only Steve. Laughter and creativity filled the air as teams competed in quirky challenges. Meanwhile, free time offered opportunities to relax, network, and make meaningful new connections.
In the kitchen, the atmosphere was buzzing as delicious, nutritious dishes were whipped up, keeping everyone energised for the adventures ahead. The nightly ice creams were popular!
Friday came around all too quickly, and it was time to pack up and head back to the reality of Christchurch life. The kids were fantastic throughout the camp—working together, making new friends, and leaving with memories to last a lifetime. It was a truly wonderful camp for everyone involved.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our wonderful parent community for generously giving up their time and energy to assist us and make this camp the superb camp that it was. We couldn’t have managed without them and are very grateful to be at a kura where our whanaungatanga is so evident.
Nga mihi nui,
Libby, Steve and Suze
Invitation for tamariki to Join the Free Rangatahi Mau Rākau Kaupapa
Kia ora,
My name is Michael Hemi Nicol, and I am an emerging researcher at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha (psy-MA student)
Last year, alongside curent and past members of the University of Canterbury Māori Students’ Association, we held a kaupapa for tamariki to learn Mau Rākau (traditional Māori weaponry), te ao ao Maori games, and engage with role models—Māori and Pasifika university students studying various degrees. The program was a great success, and we are excited to be running it again this year, now with the support of Linwood Rugby Club.
This year’s sessions will be held every Sunday at the Linwood Rugby Club, located at Tane Norton Park, 56 Kearneys Road, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. We would like to invite tamariki aged 7–14 from your school community to participate in this free kaupapa. The program is designed to introduce tamariki to Mau Rākau while fostering self-confidence, cultural identity, and community connection.
Key Information
- Start Date: 1st December – enroll any time (end date march 2025)
- Time: Sundays, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Linwood Rugby Club, Tane Norton Park, 56 Kearneys Road, Bromley, Christchurch
- Ages: 7–14 years old
- Cost: Free for all participants
- Kai: Provided each week
- Environment: Smoke/Vape-Free
Through Mau Rākau, tamariki will learn stances, strikes, movements, and cultural insights, including haka, karakia, and the values of a toa. The program also includes fun activities, Te Ao Māori games, and competitions with prizes, creating a supportive and enjoyable learning environment.
School Visits Available
To help introduce this kaupapa to your school, some of our kaiako are happy to visit and showcase some of the games and activities we’ll be playing during the program. This could include a 3- minute demonstration during year level assembly/assembly over the next 2 weeks, with teachers joining in to play some of our rākau games. If your school is interested, please feel free to get in touch to arrange a visit.
We encourage any tamariki who are interested in giving Mau Rākau a go to have their parent or guardian register them using the contact details below.
Thank you for helping us spread the word to your school community. We look forward to welcoming new faces to this year’s kaupapa and sharing this enriching experience with tamariki and their whānau.
Ngā mihi nui,
Michael Hemi Nicol
Contact: 0221853412
Kōwhai Fan Fest – 18 January 2025 at Te Hapua Halswell Centre
- Tickets are now available – $10 general admission.
- Cosplayers, performances, artist alley, competitions, stalls.
- Come support local small businesses and talent!
- https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2025/kowhai-fan-fest-2025/christchurch
Daisy-May Hanley
Bike Parking
A gentle reminder to all whānau that all bikes should be parked at the bike stands outside. We have very limited space underneath the stairs and unfortunately cannot accomodate student/whānau bikes here.
Caleb’s Christmas Concert
Caleb Hall performed a Christmas Concert at lunchtime with the support of Matt Davis, Jack McCammon on guitar and Michael Woods on drums. Caleb gave a superb entertaining performance which was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Caleb performed vocals and the electric guitar. Well done Caleb!
Paula Green
Counsellors Corner
The holiday season is a time to relax and connect with family and friends. It can also be a stressful time for many of us. For young people it can mean they are away from their friends and the routines that bring structure and predictability to their lives. They also have less access to the support systems available to them during the school year. If you are worried about yourself or a young person over the holidays there are services and supports that you can reach out to.
- This ‘traffic light’ resource is for young people in Christchurch to support their well-being and has been developed locally by Tessa Appo. The categories for this are Keeping Well, Extra Support and Immediate Crisis. Check it out! https://www.pegasus.health.nz/your-health/services-for-patients/children-young- people/wellbeing-support-that-meets-you-where-youre-at/
- Wellbeing Resources – Pegasus Health Primary Health Services – Talk to your GP about being referred to see a counsellor for your mental health and wellbeing. You may be able to access up to five free talk therapy sessions. http://www.pegasus.health.nz
- Te Tahi Youth – Free support for 10-24 year olds. A one-stop shop for medical, sexual and mental health services, as well as mentoring and employment support. Monday-Friday 9am-5pm http://www.tetahiyouth.org.nz 03-943-9298
Online of phone AFTER HOURS Support – When you need someone to talk to:
- Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 support from trained counsellor
- Lifeline – 0800 543 354
- Safe to Talk (if affected by sexual harm) 0800 044 334 or free text 4334
- Aviva (family violence services) 0800 284 82 669
- Youth Line – 0800 376 633 or free text 234
- Depression Helpline – 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
- What’s Up – 0800 942 8787 (5-18 year olds) Phone counselling Monday to Friday, midday -11pm and weekends 3pm-11pm
- Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7
- Anxiety New Zealand – 0800 269 4389
For Mental Health Crisis or Emergency Call:
- Child, Adolescent & Family (CAF) Emergency Team (Business hours) 0800 218 219 – press 2
- Crisis Resolution – 0800 920 092 (after hours) 7 days a week
- If it is an emergency, or you, or someone you know, is at immediate risk call 111
- Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865
Listening to Families
This is a great resource for families and provides answers to everyday questions relating to health and wellbeing challenges facing children and adolescents.
ADHD; Anxiety; Autism; CAF; Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; Eating Challenges; Emotional Regulation; Gender Diversity; General Practice; Information for Muslim families; Information for Pasifika families; Mental Health; Sensory Processing; Suicide
The questions the videos answer are real – they come directly from families. The answers are provided by trusted specialists.
Follow this link to check them out
In-School Programmes for 2025
Next year there will be a number of courses on offer to support students’ mental health and wellbeing. If you would like to access any of the programmes please contact one of the counsellors or speak to your HBLA at the first IEM
Real Talk
The Real Talk programme will be offered to year 7 and 8 students. It will run for 2 hours a week and the day will be confirmed early next year before IEMs.
The programme runs over 8 weeks and is delivered with the intent of teaching young people/taiohi practical skills that will enable them to better manage intense emotions, social stressors and other things that get in the way of everyday life. The programme is designed to encourage taiohi to push past their fears and inhibitions and realise their own unique potential.
Real staff will be in communication with Ao Tawhiti’s counsellors throughout the term, any issues or concerns that arise will be shared with them directly.
For further information please contact: counsellors@aotawhiti.school.nz or text Bridget Scott: 027 829 4485 Miriam Denney: 021 795 309
Reframe Wānanga
Reframe Wānanga will be delivering a course at Ao Tawhiti with a small group of students in 2024.
Reframe Wānanga workshops and courses are delivered in the community and schools for young people aged 13-24 years who are interested in learning about creative things that support mental health and wellbeing or help them get through hard times. The sessions are a place to talk kanohi ki te kanohi about some of the big things in life.
All courses are “co-produced” meaning they’re designed by mental health professionals and young people who have personally been through hard stuff like their own mental health challenges. Courses that run as part of Reframe Wānanga link to: holistic wellbeing, connection, discovery, relationship with self, and expression. When working in schools, Reframe Wānanga facilitators work with students to ensure the sessions that we plan and deliver throughout the term meet the needs of each specific group.
Next year Ben, Megan and Corrine will be offering this course to students in yeaars 11 and 12.
If you would like more information about accessing this programme, please email counsellors@aotawhiti.school.nz
Bridget Scott
Health Consultation Summary 2024
Compiled by Sarah Marshall on behalf of Ao Tawhiti Board.
Thank you to those who completed the Health Consultation survey, either during our PINs Day or via the Google form. As a Board of Trustees, we appreciate your feedback and value your input in delivering our Ao Tawhiti health curriculum.
Here is the data on who completed the survey for us:
We had 68 whānau, ākonga, and kaimahi complete the survey, ranging from year 1 to 13.
93% of the survey respondents agreed with the draft health education statement.
Some areas of feedback and areas of change for the draft statement were mentioned.
These include the ideas of;
- could the statement be simple or more concise
- could it be made clear when health classes are a must and when they are optional
- could gender identity/concepts not have a place in school education
- topics more detailed so parents can have conversations at home
94% of those who completed the survey agreed with the overall intent of the health education programme.
Some strengths that were identified in our health programme are;
- good coverage of mental health well-being
- balance and relevant approach to the programme
- support offered during triggering moments
- inclusive, diverse, and real-world
- willingness to tackle the big subjects
- topics are weaved through the culture of the school values
- students are given the opportunity to learn about things and make decisions for themselves rather than being told what to do
As there was over 93% agreement with the draft statement, we have chosen to make very few changes.
- change the working from ‘offer’ to ‘deliver’
- add detail that health education is provided to every student up to and including year 10
We have decided to make some changes to the programme, allowing us to continue to meet student needs.
Please see the attached structure.
Feedback showing common themes on specific topics at each year level will be carefully considered and integrated into the planning process.
| Year 1-3 | 20 hours | Taught within homebase by HBLAsWho am I?RelationshipsGrowing and changingStaying safe |
| Year 4-6 | 20 hours | Taught within homebase by HBLAsWho am I?RelationshipsGrowing and changingStaying safe |
| Year 7-8 | 20 hours | Taught within homebase by HBLAsWho am I?What is important in a relationship? Setting our boundariesCybersafetySupporting mental healthVaping Attitude Presentation |
| Year 9 | 20 hours | One hour a week over terms 1 and 2Setting the scenePersonal identityMental healthRelationships and communication Sexual relationships Physical well-being Staying safe |
| Year 10 | 20 hours | One hour a week over terms 3 and 4Personal identity Decision makingAssertiveness Critical ThinkingAttitude Presentation |
| Year 11 | 1 hour | Attitude Presentation |
| NCEA Health Studies | Colour block class | Open to those that are working at curriculum level 6-8 |
| School Leavers Tool Kit (open to 16 years and over) | 10 hours | Attitude SpeakerSexual and mental health Becoming an ‘adult’ Financial LiteracySelf-defence |
Sarah Marshall
HB Piwakawaka Trip to Richmond Gardens
What a perfect summer day!
We were greeted with sunshine as we hopped on the bus and made our way to Richmond’s Garden. Upon arrival, we were welcomed by a stunning garden filled with fruit trees, vegetables, lush greenery, chickens, and even a mud kitchen!
There was so much to enjoy. Many of us had fun playing tag, hiding among the trees, and exploring the beautiful landscape. The mud kitchen was a highlight—we got creative making magical potions, baking mud cupcakes, and whipping up delicious mud cakes!
After lunch, we headed to the paddling pool, where we splashed, laughed, and had an absolute blast.
It was a day to remember and the perfect way to celebrate summer!
Mary Lee
CAC Camp
“Just wanted to say thanks so much for organising such a wonderful camp last week. Even though it was local, there was so much involved! Julian absolutely loved it and didn’t want to leave at the end. He won’t forget it.”
This is just one of the many lovely comments we received from parents!
Our camp truly represented our school values, with so many parents contributing in different ways: running workshops, helping children run their own workshops, setting up water slides to cool off on the hot day, baking, cooking, preparing the fire pit for marshmallows, and working together to pitch tents.
It was a beautiful display of whanaungatanga, aroha, whakaute, manaakitanga, and ako.
We all had a fantastic time—playing cricket, sliding down the water slide, enjoying football, and participating in activities like the escape room, crafting magic wooden names, and making other crafts. Pizza was a big hit, and of course, we loved roasting marshmallows around the fire!
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and to CAC for hosting us, helping create yet another wonderful memory.
Mary & Melva
Quail Island HB Kākāpō
It was a picture-perfect day out on Quail Island! The weather was just right—not too hot, not too cold, with a gentle breeze and plenty of sunshine.
Many of our HB Kākāpō students had been looking forward to this trip, and we’re grateful to all the parents who joined us.
Most of us explored the entire island, ensuring to check out the shipwreck. While others preferred to relax by the seashore, exploring the rocky shore and collecting shells. We discussed the wonders of nature, pointing out symmetrical patterns on leaves and intricate details on shells.
The ferry ride was the perfect ending to the trip. The wind in our hair and the rippling water created a truly magical experience.
What a wonderful way to end the year!
Mary Lee
eVelocity
After around 9 months of effort, Jake Bray and Rayyan Ali finally finished their eVelocity eBike the day before competition (Saturday 30th November). Their chain broke on Friday afternoon (and they also managed to break the replacement chain that Jake rushed out and bought with his own money). After arriving at Kartsport Canterbury race track for a 7am Saturday morning start, we managed to scrounge and fit a new chain first thing in the morning. We then needed to re-wire the motor to add an energy monitor.
After passing scrutineering, the saddle broke on their first slalom run. After we fixed that, a fuse blew on their second run. Jake navigated the 3rd run beautifully (although took a wrong turn, which added an extra gate). The drag and distance races went off without a hitch and by the end of the competition the boys had earned a podium finish (3rd place) for overall performance! Their parents asked me to pass on HUGE thanks to everyone that has supported them with their project this year (particularly the many hours that Andrew spent with them in the garage).
Matt Parkes
Student Performance
One of our students is performing in this show over the summer:
ome and see Gabrielle Kavermann in the Luminaires abso-loot-ley hilarious musical for families
Pirates of the Curry Bean!
January 21-26th Fantastic school holiday activity.
Tickets from $5
Anchors away and set sail for the swashbuckling pirate adventure on the high seas in this piratical musical that’s sure to shake your booty! https://events.humanitix.com/pirates
Poems from 4.2 and 4.3 Literacy with Libby
Kia Ora Koutou.
We spent time this term venturing out to some of our favourite spots to reflect on the year and be inspired to write some poetry. Here are a few of the poems that students wrote. Enjoy.
Bridge of Remembrance Poems
I watch
The slow river drift by
With the memories of those
Who lost their lives in the earthquake
It’s a very calm place
By Angus
When I’m feeling stressed
I come to the river to rest
So I can be my best
I lay there on my chest
Lazily watching ducks nest
I’m the river’s guest.
By Jaxon
As I look down
I see ducks swimming in the clam current
It’s peaceful here
Until the cars and motorbikes come zooming past
disturbing this beautiful haven
Perhaps, maybe, it can be peaceful again
By Eva O’C
They grow, they fall,
they live, they die
Their roots reach out to find nutrients hidden away
Their branches stretch out to find the sun
Their seeds fall down
To grow again
By Nico
The water runs through my hands
There’s something strange about this place
The ducks on the river clam me down
From my stress
I might come back here some other time
By Logan
Cinquain Poems
View
Bright, Grey
Driving, walking, blowing
Rushing from store to store
People come to shop and go from place to place
By Ahitaapi
View
Industrial, mundane
Driving, walking, building
Reconstructing a broken city
Like someone threw random squares on a squiggle of lines
By Jaxon
View
Fluffy, blue
Crying, filming, acting
People skipping along the path
Everyone as busy as bees, going where they need to go
By Eva A
View
Cloudy, dull
Driving, strolling, biking
Rushing in and out of shops
Lots of cars speeding past.
By Grace T
Window
Grey, dreary
Walking, driving, biking
Boring concrete city
Uglier than a blobfish.
By Jasper
View
Industrial, grey
Blowing, rushing, driving
I adore this city
When I look out, it feels as if I’ll live forever
By Ivan
View
Cloudy, windy
Racing, driving, walking
People rushing around the city
Birds floating in the air, oblivious
By Nico
Libby Boyd
Cheapskates Skating School
This afternoon, I received a call from George at Cheapskates Skating School. He shared how impressed he was with our Ao Tawhiti Unlimited Discovery children, describing them as such a positive, encouraging, hardworking, and fun group. He expressed his gratitude for the opportunity and asked me to pass on a big thank you to all the parents who came along as well.
Mary Lee
Plans for next year: Matt Parkes
I have been lucky enough to participate in the Science Teacher Leaderhip Programme for terms 1 and 2 next year. The programme is managed by the Royal Society New Zealand and funded by the Ministry for Business and Innovation. During this time I will be based at the University of Canterbury School of Earth and Environment, working primarily with Ben Kennedy. In addition to learning more about research in Earth and Space Science, I am hoping to develop some connections that we can then grow further once I return to school in Term 3.
Matt Parkes
4.3 Field trip class
Students enjoyed trips to Riccarton Bush, the Port Hills and the Groynes. And somehow we always seemed to end up in a playground…
Matt Parkes
Other Notices
Holiday Home in Hanmer Springs
Kia ora –
We live locally and have a holiday home in Hanmer Springs.
It’s ideal for two families to have a low-cost, fun, weekend away.
We’ve finally just finished renovating it and thought staff and wider school whanau would enjoy it.
Hot Pools, walking and biking tracks. For the evening, board games and a selection of classic family DVDs like Forrest Gump.
We’ll donate $20 per weekend booking to the school.
It’s 4 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and sleeps up to 10 people.
Sunny open-plan living area. Very close to the Hot Pools. https://www.airbnb.co.nz/h/17chisholmcres
nga mihi Chris Cooke
Summer Writing School for Teens 2025
We are delighted to be offering our 9th Summer Writing School for teens and once again we have some stellar tutors ready to inspire, guide and mentor young writers.
Please share this opportunity with your keen young writers.
January 13-17 2025 Ara City Campus, Ōtautahi Christchurch
The Holiday In Concert
Don’t miss beloved Christmas romcom The Holiday (2006) presented live in concert at Christchurch Town Hall with the film’s legendary Hans Zimmer score played live-to-film by Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.
A Universal Pictures production, The Holiday stars Cameron Diaz, Kate Winslet, Jude Law, and Jack Black, and tells the story of how two women who have never met and live 6,000 miles apart find themselves in the same exact place. They meet online through a home exchange website and impulsively switch homes for the holiday. Iris moves into Amanda’s L.A. house in sunny California as Amanda arrives in the snow-covered English countryside. Shortly after arriving at their destinations, both women find the last thing either wants or expects, a new romance.
The score for The Holiday was written by world-renowned, highly celebrated and multiple Academy Award® and Golden Globe® winning composer Hans Zimmer.
Book here with 35% off https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=HOLIDAY24&ep=CSO35